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Pet Friendly Adventures

Once you have adopted a new dog, it is natural to desire to take them out exploring. Dogs can be fantastic companions on hikes, family vacations, adventures, or simple excursions to dog parks. When first venturing out with a new dog, however, there are some important tips to follow to make sure everyone has a safe and relaxing time. For all adventures, it is a good idea to make sure the dog has up to date tags and updated vaccinations.

Having Fun Hiking

Hiking is a fantastic way to spend the day outdoors getting fresh air and exercise, just make sure that dogs are restrained by a short leash. While long leashes are great for open areas, they are easily tangled in underbrush, and what dog likes to stay directly on the trail? While it may be tempting to allow the dog off the leash for some free time, make sure that the dog is obedient to a fault because chasing after something in the woods is a fantastic proposition for just about any dog. If the canine companion is allowed off the leash, make sure that they can be snapped back on if other hikers cross the path as some people are uncomfortable around new, unleashed dogs.

Safety

It is important you have enough water for all humans and animals on the adventure, as the natural water encountered may not be as clean as it appears and could contain parasites. Once the hike is over, give a careful inspection for any ticks or other pests. Closely check any skin folds, ears, belly, and other areas where ticks can easily hide. If any are found, use rubbing alcohol and tweezers to carefully remove the pest. Avoid any contact with the blood, then wash the area and keep an eye on it for persistent sensitivities. A vet visit may be needed if any signs of trouble emerge.

Car Travel in Comfort

The dog should be restrained in a crate that allows them to stand up, lie down, and turn around while remaining firmly on the seat throughout the trip. If the crate is new, have your furry friend get used to their new chambers long before the trip while still at home.

Feed your canine companion three to four hours before leaving to avoid an upset stomach. If more food is needed along the way, take the time to eat at a rest stop, not in the moving car, so the dog can stretch his legs afterwards. Remember; bring enough water for humans and animals! Also remember to bring plastic bags and a scoop for bathroom breaks, along with a first aid kit and a favorite toy to keep the trip running smooth.

Safety

It may be a good idea to bring along a copy of vaccination records in case anyone inquires at state borders, but they are not typically necessary. Just like a child, never leave a dog alone in a car, even with the windows down. It can easily turn into a furnace or refrigerator, and disaster can strike. Also, although the vision of the happy dog sticking his head out the window is attractive to many, this can actually be quite dangerous, especially on a highway. Keep the windows up if the dog is not confined.

Air Travel

Air travel can be a bit stressful for canines and their families. Check with the airlines regarding pet policies. Most will require an up to date vaccination record and certification of health from a vet within the last ten days. This vet visit will also be a good time to discuss possible sedatives or other options for the dog depending on needs. Feed the furry companion three to four hours before departure and take them for a walk as close to boarding as possible. If the dog is traveling in the cargo hold, attach some food to the outside of the crate and include some water frozen in a dish (so it will melt by the time he is thirsty). Airline personnel should be able to feed the dog during layovers or delays.

Safety

Make sure the crate is certified as a USDA shipping crate and large enough for the dog. Prominently display the words ‘Live Animal’ on the crate and mark which way should be ‘up’. Also attach a photograph of the dog to the crate and carry another in the wallet, which can help track him down in the instance of escape. If the flight is delayed, ask airline personnel to check on any animals in the cargo hold, and in the instance of a very long delay, deplane if necessary.

Having a Fun and Safe Time at the Dog Park

Dog parks are excellent for exercise and for socialization. It is very important to watch how the dog is playing with others, however. Make sure that the dogs are actually playing and not being aggressive or responding defensively. This is why it is important to turn off any cell phones, except for emergencies, and pay attention to what is going on. Be proactive about monitoring the playtime by calling to the pet frequently to gauge their reactions and to prevent the play from wandering too far away. If the furry friend is having problems with another dog, it is okay to leave and come back at another time. Not all dogs are going to get along.

Learn how to keep your fur friend healthy throughout your adventures by following NuVet Labs on YouTube.

How to Help Your Dog Stop Barking

There are several techniques and products that help you deal with your dog when they display unwanted behaviors, such as barking incessantly. However, there are several things you should be aware of before you attempt to address the problem.

Why Is My Dog Barking?

First, you need to understand why your dog is barking. While people talk and use body language to communicate, dogs communicate through barking and wagging their tails. Many times, your dog is trying to tell you something by barking. The message can range from “Hey, welcome home, I missed you!” to “I’m hungry, where’s dinner?” Your dog may also be trying to tell you that he’d like to go outside, or there is a stranger approaching your home. Some dogs, like Huskies and similar breeds, love to talk to everyone, and they do this by barking. If your dog barks when left outside alone, this is usually because dogs are pack animals and want to be with you. Sometimes, dogs bark for what seems to be no reason, but this is rare.

How Can I Stop the Barking?

After you have determined why your dog is barking, you can now address the behavior. If your dog needs something legitimate, like dinner or a potty break, help him out with his needs. If he’s barking just to hear himself bark, address this issue and teach him that his behavior is unacceptable. While punishing your dog may work as a short-term solution, it’s not at all advisable. Try redirection first. When your dog starts barking, redirect with a toy or a session with the grooming brush. Taking your dog’s mind to good behaviors will show him that you don’t like when he randomly barks. You may also choose to ignore your dog’s barking; many times a dog will hush up if they realize no one is paying attention to them.

You should also remove your dog’s reason for barking, if possible. You can’t make people stop walking their dogs past your house. However, you can invest in drapes or blinds that block your dog from seeing them. You can also desensitize your dog to the source of his barking. For example, if he likes to bark at other dogs, try doggie daycare so he gets plenty of socialization. And finally, a tired dog is a happy dog. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise each day. He’ll be too tired and too happy to bother with raising a ruckus at the sound of the doorbell or a strange person walking by your home.

Don’t get frustrated with your dog. He can tell when you are upset and this will derail your attempts to train him. Remember, when you yell at your dog, he thinks you are “barking” back at him, and will continue his behavior. Training a dog can take time, as they don’t communicate the same way people do. Be patient and enlist the help of a professional if you don’t feel like you and your dog are on the same sheet of music when it comes to acceptable behaviors.

Know How to Help Your Aging Pet

One of the difficult aspects of having a pet is the brevity of their lives in comparison to your own. Dogs and cats become part of the family and losing them after only a decade, or two if you’re lucky, is never easy. There are ways to improve the quality of your pet’s life as they age, possibly lengthening the time you have with them.

How Pets Age

The popular theory of “one dog year is equal to seven human years” isn’t entirely accurate, although it gives a rough idea of the aging process for canines and even felines, to a certain extent. Dogs up to about 25 pounds age similarly to cats, while larger dogs tend to age more rapidly. The first 6 months of your pet’s life equate to 5 to 10 human years. By the time a kitten or puppy reaches their first birthday, they are about the equivalent of a 15 year old child. The second year ages most pets to about a human’s mid-20’s. From there, each pet year adds an average of 4 human years.

Dogs as a species average just over an 11-year lifespan. Cats are closer to 15 years. According to the ASPCA, dogs become “seniors” between their seventh and tenth birthdays, with the larger breeds reaching that milestone sooner. Cats reach their golden years at age 10 and above.

Signs of an Aging Pet

A graying muzzle and fur is a common sign of aging in dogs. Hearing tends to dull in older dogs and hours of sleep often increase. Cats become less active and also sleep more as they age. Both cats and dogs are susceptible to joint issues, which will affect their ability to walk, run, jump and play. Your vet may recommend a joint supplement like NuJoint Plus for an aging pet or a breed that has decreased mobility. Your pet may show an aversion to being touched if an age-related health concern is at work.

Dealing with an Aging Pet

Your dog is going to age relatively quickly in the grand scheme of things, so it’s important to be well informed about this process and understand the changes you will have to make as time goes on. If you have an adult pet who will be heading toward senior status in a few years, or your pet is currently enjoying the golden years of life, these tips can help you maneuver this time and allow you to provide your pet with the highest quality of life.

Your furry friend is likely to suffer in silence as he ages. Increasing your veterinarian visits to twice a year is a proactive way to help your senior pet age gracefully. Be aware of changes in appetite, sleep patterns, activity level and verbal communications like whining or barking. These may indicate normal aging in a cat or dog, but it could be a more serious issue that your vet can address.

Choose a senior pet food for your dog and feed your pet smaller meals at more frequent intervals throughout the day. Senior pet foods are formulated to be easier to digest for older dogs, and often contain ingredients that are designed to help older dogs with the consequences of aging.

If you haven’t done so already, add a nutritional supplement to your dog’s diet. Supplements such as NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus are designed to help aging pets as they enter this stage of life. These supplements provide dogs with all of the vitamins and nutrients that they need, and promotes joint health, bone health and immune system health.

Add an extra blanket to your dog’s bed. Older dogs have a more difficult time regulating their own body temperature, and may feel cold more often.

Continue exercising your dog on a regular basis, but understand your pet’s limitations during this stage of life. Take your dog on shorter walks, and be sure to walk them at a slow and comfortable pace.

An aging pet requires extra care and attention, as their health issues can have a significant impact on their daily lives. A nutritional supplement, such as the expert formula offered by NuVet Labs, can help dogs live long, healthy, happy lives. These supplements are designed to help boost a dog’s immune system, and can help strengthen the dog’s body for a better quality of life. Talk with your veterinarian to see if NuVet Plus or NuJoint Plus is the right supplement choice for your pet.

Whey Protein for Feline Health

While your cat might be fluffy, sweet and loveable at its core, your furry feline pal is still a carnivore. As carnivores, cats are attracted to and crave protein – specifically the protein found in meat.

Many dry cat food products are created from protein sources, such as chicken or fish. However, your cat’s nutritional needs may not be completely met by these dry pet foods. Most veterinarians will recommend that you add a nutritional supplement, such as NuVet Plus, to your cat’s diet. The addition of a high quality supplement will ensure your furry friend receives the necessary amount of protein in their daily diet. When choosing a feline supplement, one of the most important ingredients to look for is whey protein.

What is Whey Protein?

Whey is one of the two proteins found in milk. Whey protein is found in milk during the process of making cheese. It separates from the casein protein found in milk as a by-product of the cheese making process and is considered a complete protein.

What Are The Benefits?

• Whey protein is one of the most important protein sources for animals that are carnivores. Just like how many people use this protein for muscle production, cats need it for the same purpose. It helps to build new muscle mass as well as maintain the muscle mass that exists already. By building muscles and keeping muscles healthy, your furry friend will have an improved quality of life.

• Whey protein will also help keep your cat’s metabolic rate in check, ensuring that it consumes, processes and uses all of its nutrients in the best way possible. This protein is a highly-digestible and complete protein containing 20 amino acids including methionine, lysine, and taurine. Cats are unable to produce the amino acid taurine, which is important in promoting a healthy immune system and supporting other body functions.

• Research has found that whey protein has as many health benefits for cats as it does for people. Whey protein is low in lactose content. Therefore, it is safe and healthy to give to cats in the form of a supplement.

• Cats that have a protein deficiency can experience various health issues. Essential nutrients, like whey protein, can help to ensure that your cat gets all of the protein it needs in order to support a healthy immune system. The amino acids in the whey protein promote humoral immunity.

NuVet Plus Feline Formula

Whey protein is a key ingredient found in the feline formula of NuVet Plus. NuVet Labs has worked for 8 years to develop a formula that specifically benefits cats. Many companies simply produce a pet supplement product designed for all domesticated animals, but the NuVet Plus feline formula is truly made for that special cat in your life. It is composed of natural antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, herbs and more to provide a complete nutritional supplement that helps to boost the immune system and defend your feline companion against free radicals.

For more information on whey protein and the NuVet Plus feline formula, visit the NuVet Labs product page today.

Pets Love Chicken Liver!

Many pet owners know that their pet will gobble up a chicken liver in a matter of seconds, but they don’t realize how beneficial this organ meat is for their pet. Chicken liver is filled with nutrients that can help boost your pet’s overall health and help keep them healthy, but it’s not always convenient to retrieve a chicken liver from the butcher and prepare it for your dog. Pet owners should know that their dog can enjoy all of the benefits of chicken liver, without going through the inconvenience of going to the butcher, by supplementing their pet’s daily diet with NuVet Plus.

What are the Health Benefits Associated with Chicken Liver?

• Chicken liver is a rich source of essential amino acids, B-vitamins, folic acid and proteins. Liver is an excellent source of protein for your pet, supporting muscle development and energy levels. It also contains a sufficient amount of fat and Vitamin A, which promotes longevity and quality of life for your pet. Liver, however, should only be offered in moderation.

• Chicken liver is also filled with nutrients such as copper, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and iron. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important components of a healthy, well-balanced diet. The compounds in chicken liver aid in digestion, help to strengthen the nervous system, promote proper tissue development and the production of red blood cells. The properties in chicken liver can be especially beneficial in pets with low iron levels.

• In addition to all of the physical health benefits associated with chicken liver, it can also help your canine or feline companion lead a stress-free life. Research has shown that dogs who consume chicken liver show reduced stress levels and are considered happier than dogs that do not enjoy the benefits of chicken liver. By aiding to relieve stress and support mood balance, chicken liver helps prevent your pet from participating in problem behaviors associated with stress or anxiety.

It is true that chicken liver can easily be purchased from your local supermarket or butcher shop. However, that requires you to properly clean and prepare the organ before serving it to your furry friend. Luckily, there is an easier way to provide the delicious taste and various health benefits associated with chicken liver to your pet. Simply purchase NuVet Plus supplements for your pet. This nutritional supplement is designed to provide your dog with a nutritionally-balanced diet, which includes the highest quality natural ingredients. The chicken liver included in the NuVet Plus supplement is 100 percent pure chicken liver and has been paddle-dried in order to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients in the organ. For more information on the benefits of chicken liver, visit the NuVet Labs website today.